WestJet Places Conditional Order for Up to 45 Bombardier Q400 NextGen Aircraft

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that WestJet, an Alberta partnership, has signed a conditional order for 20 Q400 NextGen turboprops following the letter of intent to purchase the aircraft that was announced by WestJet on May 1, 2012. The transaction also includes options on an additional 25 Q400 NextGen aircraft.

Based on list price, a firm order for 20 Q400 NextGen aircraft would be valued at approximately $683 million US, and could increase to approximately $1.59 billion US should the 25 options be converted to firm orders.

The announcement was made today in Calgary where WestJetters and their families were on hand for a close-up look at the Q400 NextGen aircraft on display at the airline's Campus. Also in attendance, were potential regional airport delegations from across the country and media representatives. Earlier this year, an internal WestJet poll revealed that over 90 per cent of WestJetters were in favour of launching a regional airline to serve more communities across Canada. Set to begin operations in the second half of 2013, the regional airline is anticipated to serve regional airports from coast to coast that are currently considered under-served.

"We are delighted to welcome our friends from Bombardier to our campus today as well as representatives from the more than 30 airports across Canada hoping to have WestJet service in their communities in the future," said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. "Our launch plans are progressing nicely and we look forward to expanding to new communities when we launch in the second half of 2013."

"This is an exciting time for Bombardier and WestJetters alike. We're equally keen to see how WestJet will adopt the Q400 NextGen aircraft into its unique operations and it's a thrill to see the enthusiasm as the airline solicits feedback from the country's regional airports and its guests," said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "The Q400 NextGen aircraft's superior economics, outstanding fuel economy and excellent passenger comfort give WestJet the flexibility to service a diverse number of routes and airports. We look forward to the waiving of the order conditionality in the near future."

As Canada's second-largest carrier, WestJet currently provides scheduled and chartered air service in North America and the Caribbean.

Bombardier has booked firm orders for 428 Q400 and Q400 NextGen airliners and delivered aircraft are in service with approximately 40 operators in 30 countries, on six continents. These aircraft have transported more than 177 million passengers and have logged more than 3.2 million flight hours and over 3.5 million take-offs and landings.